Control4 Names Martin Plaehn CEO

Control4 has appointed Martin Plaehn as its president and CEO. Martin Plaehn. A seasoned business and technology executive, Plaehn will provide leadership for Control4, drive business and technology strategies, and improve operating excellence for ongoing growth. Plaehn bring

A seasoned business and technology executive, Plaehn will provide leadership for Control4 in continuing to deliver industry-leading products, drive business and technology strategies, and improve operating excellence for ongoing growth. Plaehn brings to Control4 a passion for product innovation, exceptional customer experience, and operating discipline to drive market success for both Control4 and its channel partners.

Effective immediately, Will West will move into the role of chairman of the board and chief strategy officer, supporting the management team and evangelizing the Control4 product line and technology, particularly with strategic partners.

“Since Control4’s debut in March 2003, we have been steadfast in our vision to deliver best-of-class home automation solutions and drive relationships that enhance both the dealer and customer experience,” said West. “Under Martin’s leadership, Control4 will continue to push the envelope in innovation and accelerate growth for the company and the automation market.”

“Control4’s business potential is still expanding based on the solid foundation that Will and his team have created,” said Martin Plaehn, Control4’s incoming president and CEO. “I am looking forward to working with our dealers and strategic partners to continue to create and deliver great products and services, as well as provide excellent value and responsiveness to our customers.”

Throughout his 30-year career, Plaehn has held numerous executive management and CEO positions, bringing to Control4 a blend of technical depth, operational focus and business expertise to lead business and product strategy, as well as day-to-day operations. Before joining Control4, Plaehn was SVP of product and service development at RealNetworks. Prior to that, he served as CEO at Bungee Labs, an early leader in the Cloud Computing and Platform-as-a-Service industry. He also served as CEO of Viewpoint Digital, the leading creator and licensor of premium 3D digital content for digital animators.

“We’ve always operated our business under the philosophy that our success is tied to the success of our channel partners," West said. "Martin’s experience will help us further extend our commitment to the custom home channel by pushing Control4 to create new, innovative and reliable products for our customers, drive new business opportunities and enhance the ways we provide customer and channel support to the market."